Humans are Strange

Happy Friday Friends,

Humans are strange.We have some strange traits.We even celebrate these traits. They differentiate us from animals, we develop them as we mature into adults. We even nurture them.Dwelling in the past and yearning for the future are two of my worst human traits.

We know that young children don’t care too much about the future. I envy children because they don’t care much about “what if”. There is the famous “marshmallow experiment”.The psychologist puts a marshmallow in front of a kid. She then tells them they’re going to leave the room for 10 minutes. If they come back and the marshmallow is still on the table they’ll get an extra 1 to eat. In most cases, the kids eat the marshmallow as soon as the psychologist leaves the room. Because they live for the now. They don’t have the need to concern themselves with the future.

How wonderful!

Another trait humans have that I am not too fond of is the fear of change and the need to hold onto the past. We seem to place more value on things we’ve lost than what we have in front of us. But, loss and change are a part of life. As we grow (or “level up” as I like to call it) we outgrow our current situation.

Outgrowing is a necessary part of growth. As we evolve and develop, we inevitably leave behind certain people, jobs, places, and hobbies. But instead of mourning these losses, we should celebrate them. Outgrowing something means that we're moving forward. Expanding our horizons, and becoming better versions of ourselves.

Think back to some of your best friends from school and university. I’m sure when you left for the real world or moved countries you were both really sad - there were even tears. You promised you’d keep in touch. You didn’t.And, the reality is that you won’t. And, the simple reason? You’ve outgrown each other.

It's natural to feel a twinge of sadness or nostalgia when we outgrow people or places that were once important to us. But holding onto them for the sake of sentimentality or familiarity can hold us back from reaching our full potential. Sometimes we need to let go of the past to embrace the future.

But what if we took this idea a step further? What if we saw outgrowing as not just a part of personal growth, but as a necessity for it? Do we owe it to ourselves and others?

Think about it: when we stay in situations that no longer serve us, we're not just limiting our own growth, but we're also taking up space. Space that could be filled by someone else who would thrive there. By moving on, we create opportunities for new people and ideas to come into our lives. And, for others to grow and flourish where we once were.

In other words, by embracing the inevitability of outgrowing, we become agents of change, catalysts for growth, and creators of space. We're not just living for ourselves, but for the greater good of the world around us.

Outgrowing can be scary, especially when it means leaving behind people or things that have been a part of your life for a long time. But the truth is, holding onto something just because it's comfortable can be even scarier. Imagine if you never tried new things or took risks because you were too afraid of outgrowing what you already know. You'd be like a plant that never got repotted - stunted and withered from lack of space to grow. Outgrowing may not always be easy, but it's necessary for a fulfilling life.

In fact, embracing outgrowing can lead to some amazing opportunities. Maybe you'll meet new friends who challenge you in ways you never thought possible, or discover a new passion that ignites a fire in your soul. Outgrowing can be like shedding old skin and emerging as a new and improved version of yourself. So don't be afraid to let go of what no longer serves you, and embrace the exciting possibilities of what's to come. Remember, outgrowing is a part of growing and growing is a part of living.

So let's not be afraid to outgrow. Let's see it as a privilege, a responsibility, and a gift. Let's embrace the discomfort, uncertainty, and potential for growth that comes with every new chapter of our lives.

The Stoics say Amore Fate - Love of Fate. It means accepting your fate and loving what life hands you. Do not focus on the “what if’s” or “what could have been’s”. If you have the mindset that as you grow you will outgrow then you can be proud of yourself.

Peace, love and muscles.

Jazza